Quedlinburg, Half-timbered Historic City
UNESCO Heritage Medieval old Town Centre in Saxony-Anhalt
Aug 11, 2008
Quedlinburg achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994 which focused the state on some badly needed restoration work. The result is a pleasant Altstadt (old town centre) that is well worth a visit, with hundreds of half-timbered houses lining the cobbled streets.
History
The town dates from around the 9th century, with the early records associating it with the Saxon King Henry 1 of Germany (Henry the Fowler) who was offered the Royal Crown in 919 at the foot of the castle hill. He was keen bird hunter and trapper, hence the nickname. Quedlinburg itself is first mentioned in an Act signed by Henry in 922. As such Quedlinburg has some claim to be where the history of Germany started, lasting for 300 years until the country fractured into a collection of hundreds of city-states before being reunited in the late 19th century.
In the 936 on Henry’s death his widow of Henry the Fowler established a frauenstift (women’s religious community) on the castle hill overlooking the town. This became Quedlinburg convent, lasting for 900 years until its dissolution by Napoleonic forces in 1802.
Attractions
The town hall (Rathaus) is in the middle of the old town, a fine half-timbered structure built in 1320. The frescoes charting Quedlinburg’s colourful history are worth a look in the large Festsaal inside.
On the left is a statue of Roland put up in 1426, when Quedlinburg joined the Hanseatic League. The Gothic church of St Benedikti is oddly concealed behind the Rathaus.
Around the market place are a number of bars and restaurants, but the medieval half-timbered facades of the buildings are preserved with dignity and care. Theophano’s Wine Cellar has a good reputation for evening meals and the café Zum Roland near the Rathaus serves hearty German food at reasonable prices.
From the Markt, Hohe Strasse leads southwest to Schlossberg, the location of the Schlossmuseum, and a fine 12th century church of St Servatius.
Getting There
By car
The historical narrow streets and cobbled roads make car parking difficult in the town centre itself. Visitors arriving by car would be well advised to park just outside the Altstadt in on of the multi-story car parks. Like many German towns, the signage and information about car parking is clear and efficient!
Quedlinburg is just of the B6 road, about 40 miles from Braunschweig. It is in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany.
By Train
The railway station is about 10 minutes walk southwest of the Altstadt.
Location
GPS Location
51.79N 11.143E
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